CRITICISM

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1879

True criticism is profitable; but he who essays to act as critic should be sure that he is himself correct. One of our exchanges which maintains a “Critic’s corner,” in a late issue gives us the following:—

“Differ with and differ from. These expressions are both used with considerable frequency, but they cannot both be correct. The former is wrong, the latter is right. Never say, ‘I differ with you.’ The preposition ‘with’ implies agreement, while the verb ‘differ’ implies disagreement. The sentence therefore involves an absurdity. Say, ‘I differ from you.’”

This would be good if it were only true. As it is, it will mislead, and doubtless betray many into inaccuracy in speaking. We are therefore compelled to differ with our friend on this subject. There are two respects, at least, in which persons differ; the first is, in opinions or sentiment; the second is, in regard to shape, size, etc. This distinction is indicated in the language we use. If the reference is to opinion or belief, we say, “I differ with you;” if it is simply to some unlikeness in form, color, size, etc., say, “I differ from you.” Therefore when opinion is the matter in question, never say “I differ from you,” as that would be incorrect. “This distinction,” Webster says, “is fully established in England, and to a great extent in America.”

Neither does the preposition “with” always “imply agreement;” as will be illustrated in the sentence, “Our late war with Mexico.”